Behind every legendary boxer stands a team of dedicated individuals who help shape their journey to greatness. For Floyd Mayweather Jr., one person stood out above all others – Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico, his devoted personal assistant and marketing manager, who became much more than an employee. Her sudden passing in 2023 left a void that extends far beyond the boxing world.
Biography
Born in the Philippines in 1976, Marikit Laurico – affectionately known as “Kitchie” – embarked on a life-changing journey when she relocated to the United States at just 11 years old.
Her academic prowess shone through as she pursued higher education, eventually earning a degree in marketing and public relations.
Kitchie’s path crossed with Floyd Mayweather’s over a decade ago, marking the beginning of an extraordinary professional partnership. Initially hired as a marketing manager for The Money Team (TMT), she quickly proved her worth and expanded her role to become Mayweather’s trusted personal assistant.
Career Highlights and Achievements
During her remarkable 25-year journey in the entertainment industry, Kitchie established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her expertise in personal management and marketing helped elevate Mayweather’s brand to unprecedented heights, contributing to his legendary 50-0 boxing record and global recognition.
Kitchie’s magnetic personality extended beyond her professional duties. She cultivated an impressive social media following of over 159,000 dedicated fans who were drawn to her authentic, engaging content. Her Instagram presence showcased her vibrant lifestyle whilst maintaining the perfect balance – never overshadowing the boxing champion she supported.
Her role encompassed far more than traditional assistant duties:
- Marketing Management: Strategic brand development for TMT
- Personal Support: Confidante and advisor to Mayweather
- Travel Coordination: Accompanied Mayweather to over 100 countries
- Family Relations: Building meaningful connections with Mayweather’s children
Personal Life and Character
Despite her public presence, Kitchie maintained remarkable privacy regarding her personal relationships. Her romantic life remained largely undisclosed, demonstrating her ability to separate professional visibility from private matters. This discretion was characteristic of her thoughtful approach to fame and celebrity culture.
Kitchie served as a cultural ambassador, sharing her Filipino heritage with Mayweather and even taking him to the Philippines. Their conversations often explored music, African American culture, and Filipino traditions, enriching both their perspectives and strengthening their bond.
Her Tragic End – March 31, 2023
On March 31, 2023, the boxing world was shaken by devastating news. Kitchie Laurico passed away at age 47 after battling undisclosed health issues. The circumstances surrounding her death remain somewhat unclear, with various reports offering different accounts.
Multiple sources have provided different explanations for her passing:
- Health complications: Reports suggest she had been dealing with health issues following a recent trip to Dubai
- Heart attack: Some sources indicate cardiac arrest as the cause
- Car accident: Earlier reports mentioned a vehicle collision involving multiple passengers
The lack of official confirmation has left many questions unanswered, though the reality of the loss remains unchanged.
Emotional Tributes and Legacy
In a deeply emotional appearance on The Pivot Podcast in February 2024, Mayweather broke down whilst discussing Kitchie’s impact on his life:
“Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to, that knew my deepest secrets. There was no male or female in my life that I told more stuff to than her.”
He described their relationship as that of siblings, calling her “a sister I never had, a best friend I ever had.”
Iyanna Mayweather’s Instagram Tribute: “This doesn’t feel real… my heart is so heavy. You were more than just my dad’s assistant you were family. You were the definition of someone with a good heart, you always lifted people up and made them feel good about themselves.”
Official Family Statement: Her siblings and parents shared a poignant message on Instagram: “On March 31, 2023, our brilliant star Kitchie abandoned the physical garment… the angels of Thy loving-kindness descended successively upon her and have ascended her to the spiritual world.”
Industry Recognition
The entertainment and sports communities rallied to honour Kitchie’s memory:
- Jamie Foxx expressed his shock and grief on Instagram
- Leonard Ellerbe (Floyd’s CEO) shared emotional tributes
- Celebration of Life: A memorial service was held on April 29th in Los Angeles
Net Worth
Though specific figures regarding Kitchie’s net worth remain private, her successful career in marketing and personal management undoubtedly provided financial stability. Mayweather himself noted that whilst he could have financially supported any business venture she wished to pursue, Kitchie never asked for handouts – a testament to her independence and work ethic.
Her income streams likely included:
- Marketing management fees from TMT
- Personal assistant compensation
- Social media partnerships and endorsements
- Travel and lifestyle management services
Those who knew Kitchie consistently describe her as someone who lifted others up, maintained unwavering loyalty, and approached life with infectious positivity. Her ability to balance professional excellence with genuine human connection made her irreplaceable.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of Kitchie’s passing was the unfulfilled plans she and Mayweather had made:
- 50th Birthday Celebration: A grand party was planned for Aruba
- Super Bowl Experience: She had particularly wanted to attend the Las Vegas Super Bowl
- Continued Adventures: More travels and shared experiences
Whilst her time was cut tragically short, Kitchie’s impact on Floyd Mayweather’s life and career – and the lives of countless others she touched – ensures her memory lives on.
